"And she said, As the LORD thy God liveth, I have not a cake, but an handful of meal in a barrel, and a little oil in a cruse... And Elijah said unto her, Fear not; go and do as thou hast said: but make me thereof a little cake first, and bring it unto me, and after make for thee and for thy son" (1 KINGS 17:12,13).

The Christian life has a number of paradoxes. These run contrary to the ways and understanding of the principles of the people of the world. For example, to be great as a Christian, you must become the servant of all. To go up, you must be willing to come down; and to save your life, you must be willing to lose it! But these are the ways of the Lord that Christians must follow. It is the path of faith.

We see a clear application of this paradox in our text. To sustain Elijah during a time of famine, God sent him to a poor widow. He didn’t send him to a rich man or a widow who had a large estate left to her by her late husband, but a poor widow who had just her last provision and was expecting nothing but death! Through her, God sustained Elijah and her son all through the period of the famine. God’s ways are different from man’s. In accepting to obey the prophet by giving him all she has, the widow accepted death but she got life. She died to live!

Unless we are ready to follow this divine principle, we may never really get the best in life or be who we should be. We must first render our lives to be crucified with Christ and be willing to die daily if we must enjoy the abundant life the Lord has promised. Those who tightly clasp their hands, holding tenaciously to what they have will never be able to receive what God has for them. You need an open hand to receive; in opening your hand, you must be willing to let go of what you are holding in order for God to give you the best that you need. To be filled with the life of God, you must be empty of self and the world. You must die to live!

"Vow, and pay unto the LORD your God: let all that be round about him bring presents unto him that ought to be feared" (Psalms 76:11).

In her book titled, "Only One Year," Stalin's daughter, Svetlana Alliluyeva, recounted the experiences that led her from the emptiness of atheism in Russia to faith and freedom in America. In her thirty-fifth year, she became aware of God's presence and joy filled her soul to the brim. Svetlana, therefore, wrote: "I looked for the words that could express this new sensation, and found it in the Psalms of David. Nowhere have I found words more powerful than those in the Psalms. Their fervid poetry cleanses one, gives one strength, brings hope in moments of darkness, makes one look critically into oneself, convicts oneself, and washes one's heart clean with one's own tears. It is the ever-burning fire of love, of gratitude, humility, and praise."

The text expresses appreciation to God for defeating the enemies of the Israelites and granting them deliverance. Sennacherib, king of Assyria, had been a thorn in their flesh. He had attacked Judah but lost the war because God fought for His people; many of his soldiers died in the battle. The psalmist appreciates God's efforts to save the Israelites and did not allow the enemy to destroy Jerusalem where they had the temple for worship. God broke the enemy's weapons of war.

Today, God still fights for His people. Satan may attempt to contest the purpose and plan of God for our lives; the good news is that God is always available to surmount all satanic assaults against us. He will avenge the enemy on our behalf and will not allow them put His children to shame. He will always give us occasion to appreciate Him. If you check your life, you will discover why you need to praise the Lord always. He has fought many battles on your behalf and will continue to fight for you. Praise the Lord!

"He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock" (Luke 6:48).

Two buildings, in a commercial area of a city were put up for lease. A good number of prospective lessees turned up and almost every one of them preferred the attractively finished one. Those who were not successful in their bid, had to accept the other building with old-fashioned architectural design and poor finishing. Not long after, there was a heavy rain and many buildings were shaken to their foundations resulting in their collapse, including the one that many lessees hustled for.

A building is as strong as its foundation. If erected on sandy soil or built on shallow foundation, it will collapse when hit by violent weather. In our text, Jesus likened those who hear God's word but do not act upon it to a building without good foundation. As soon as life’s situation becomes inclement, they fall away. But doers of the Word will find grace to stand in spite of life's challenges.

To develop a strong Christian character that will stand the test of time, a proper understanding and painstaking obedience to the word of Christ are required. Such a believer will not be quick to point out errors or faults found in others without first thoroughly examining himself. This is because what he is condemning in others may be insignificant in comparison with what he is involved in. As the heart is changed through conversion, the believer's outward conduct will conform to God's will.

Believers are not to choose from Christ’s teachings no matter how inconvenient. They are to determine to obey God's word according to His revelation. Only then can they be considered to be wise; and only then will they find sufficient strength to remain steadfast till the end.

"Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days" (Ecclesiastes 11:1).

God is rich in mercy to all. Though we are unworthy of His manifold blessings, He nevertheless provides for us liberally out of His abundant storehouse. In like manner, He expects us to show mercy to other people.

The text gives a pressing exhortation to works of charity towards the poor, the less privileged, the infirm, as well as those in need of help.

Adjudged to be the wisest man of his time, the writer of the text impresses it on us to do good to others and abound in liberal works since this would guarantee commensurate blessings someday. Though this work of mercy is expressed as being cast "upon the waters" (a metaphor), "thou shalt find it after many days". As a farmer reaps more than he sowed during a plentiful harvest, and the merchant profits richly from his venture, so will a liberal soul reap abundantly. Whatever was sown is not lost, but well laid up for future harvest. In God’s providence, our works of charity will yield interest here; yet, the principal will remain sure, laid up in heaven for us.

When it says, "thou shalt find it after many days", it implies that the returns may be slow, but it is certain that it will come because, "the liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself " (Proverbs 11:25). So, take time to look around. There are people in dire need of your love and touch of liberality. Cast your "bread" upon the "waters" of their lives. Show a little bit of love and kindness. This is the best cure against unbridled accumulation of wealth which we shall leave behind one day.

"O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps" (Jeremiah 10:23).

The Bible is replete with case studies of God's judgment freely meted out on those who disobey Him. It is only a life of obedience which pleases God and steers away His anger.

Our text, which exposes the spiritual wretchedness of Judah as they were apt to disobey God, declares God's impending judgment on them. As they had little regard for Him, Jeremiah told them pointedly to be ready to go into exile. God had designed that their enemies would capture them because of their disobedience. He told them that God would throw them from their land like a rock from a sling.

But the people, instead of repenting of their sin, replied Jeremiah that they had been wounded and doomed to die. They equally stated that their homes had been destroyed and their children killed, lamenting that no one was left to help them find shelter. Imagine their major concern instead of pleading for God’s mercy!

Jeremiah equally blamed their predicaments on their leaders as they refused to listen to the Lord. Those leaders, whom he described as failures, had caused God to scatter the people. After that, he prayed for God’s mercy and correction. He also prayed that God should vent His anger on their enemies who had refused to submit to His worship or acknowledge His authority over them.

God's punishment is always inflicted on disobedient people. The option available to those under chastisement is to return to God in repentance and not to continue to justify themselves. An unyielding life of disobedience will attract the wrath of God.

"He must increase, but I must decrease. He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all" (John 3:30,31).

Many students of science know Isaac Newton's law of gravity, but only a few knew Edmund Halley whose efforts brought Newton's work to light. Though Halley spent most of his time on lunar observations, he developed interest in problems of gravity which brought him closer to Newton. He was having problems with Kepler's law of planetary motion, unknown to him, Newton had already dissolved the problem.

But Halley was surprised at Newton's indifference in getting his (Newton's) work published. So he supervised, edited and financed the printing though Newton was wealthier. After the publication, Newton reaped the rewards, but Halley received little credit. He never really cared though, except to advance the cause of the breakthrough.

John the Baptist was the forerunner of our Lord but he became less prominent while the Lord increased in popularity and ministry. Our text shows the argument between a certain Jew and John the Baptist's disciples. Both the disciples of John and Jesus were baptising converts and more people were going to Jesus' disciples than to John's. Probably, they expected John to react negatively to this development, but he did not. He only reminded his disciples about his prophecy concerning the Messiah: that he was only sent to prepare the way for the greater One.

This is a lesson in humility. Only people of low spiritual understanding allow jealousy to control their lives. God can choose anyone to do His work. People who want the praise of men would not appreciate John's attitude and humility. But God wants us to be clothed with humility and be ready to submit to the will of God like John the Baptist who preferred to see himself decrease for Christ to increase.

"He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap" (Ecclesiastes 11:4).

It is said that procrastination is the thief of time. Those who put forward to another day what ought to have been done today end up having no time at all to do anything. They turn out to be pitiable failures.

Technology has equipped modern man with the ability to predict, to a reasonable extent, nature and climatic conditions. Science of meteorology predicts with a certain amount of precision, what the weather conditions could be over a certain period.

In our text, king Solomon declared that life involves both risk and opportunity. Because of the uncertainty of life, man ought to develop the spirit of trust and adventure in his daily endeavours. There can never be a perfect condition when there will be neither rain, nor wind, nor sun. Such a condition would breed laziness, inactivity and spiritual boredom. Even in the world, there is an axiom that if there is no venture, there will be no success. People who wait till everything is perfect before they attempt anything good therefore, are convenient idlers.

The sinner today does not need a convenient time to seek the Lord and repent. No time is more convenient than now. The same is true of believers. They do not need a convenient time to serve the Lord, read their Bible, visit the sick and attend to the needy. The result and reward of what we do today may be in time to come. Let us therefore go out and face life's challenges with godly enthusiasm, hard work and trust.

"And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever" (Daniel 12:3).

A most glorious time in the life of an athlete is when he finds himself on the medals’ podium – as a winner. A flood of emotion sweeps through his mind at that moment and can be so strong to produce tears of joy. Those tears are especially common in situations where the winner least expected to win. Such will be the experience of many believers when we get to heaven where Christ shall reward His faithful disciples.

Today's text primarily predicts the deliverance and comfort the Jews would enjoy after the death of Antiochus, their great tormentor and adversary. But beyond that, it points to the experience of Christian believers at the end of time. In view of the great tribulation that will engulf the world, Christ will come for His own in an event commonly known as the rapture.

Immediately after the rapture of true believers comes a time of reward. Believers are going to be ‘judged’ (not to condemnation) according to their works and labour for the Master. Verse 3 of today’s text captures the lot of believers who exercised prudence in spiritual matters while on earth – "they that turn many to righteousness." They will shine as stars all through eternity.

Most people today, including believers, struggle to gain prominence in social and economic spheres. They expend much time, affection and resources to "shine" in this passing world. But the truly wise Christian will invest more time and labour in Kingdom work – helping to turn many to righteousness. Such may not shine here but they will shine where and when it matters most – in the Kingdom to come.

"And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries" (Acts 8:11).

There is a disturbing trend that a significant proportion of youths from decent, godly homes are getting involved in activities considered to be inappropriate, immoral and even illegal. One young man explained the influence of peer pressure on him thus: "I never wanted to smoke until I was offered one in a party which I could not reject or resist". Many youths face severe pressure to act in certain ways, dress in a particular style, smoke or drink and join certain groups because of ungodly influence. Except something positive is done to arrest the ugly trend, many youths may lose their godly heritage to the enemy.

Samaria had been under siege by the ungodly influence of Simon the sorcerer who had bewitched them before the arrival of Philip, the evangelist. Simon also claimed to have believed under the preaching of Philip. But when Apostles Peter and John came from Jerusalem to Samaria and prayed for believers to be filled with the Holy Spirit, Simon also asked for the power. But Peter rebuked him saying, "Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God" (Acts 8:20,21).

Parents, Christian leaders and teachers must be very vigilant in guiding against ungodly influences in their homes, churches and places of work. The Scripture enjoins us not to believe every spirit, but to prove whether it is of God or not. Christians must not be gullible to believe every new and strange doctrine. Many people perform miracles, wonders, healings and magical arts. We should not be carried away by ungodly and satanic manifestations, but guide and protect our youths against so-called gospel trends which merely appeal to base sentiments.

"And he said unto Moses, I thy father in law Jethro am come unto thee, and thy wife, and her two sons with her" (Exodus 18:6).

God made man to live for Him. In fulfilling that purpose, He made necessary provisions and also instituted marriage to meet his need of companionship. He declared that it is not good for man to be alone. Moses' wife, Zipporah with her two sons, had been away from home for sometime. But Jethro felt it was not ideal to keep her for too long, whatever the reason. He decided that there must be reunion between Zipporah and her husband. He took her back to Moses who had been busy with the commission of leading the children of Israel to the Promised Land.

Those who, for reasons of job transfer, overseas travel, missionary assignment, etc. live separately from their spouses need to be reminded that it is not God's perfect will for them to live apart. Even when there are problems in the home that caused one of the partners to separate, efforts should be made to reconcile them to be able to fulfill the purpose of God for their lives. Blessings meant for couples cannot be obtained individually as each live apart from the other.

Parents and counsellors who are fuelling crisis in troubled homes should desist from such unscriptural act. What the word of God says is that what God has joined together, let not man or woman, parent or friend, service for God or job transfer or overseas travel, put asunder. Living apart from one's spouse and indeed from one's family is not the ideal arrangement. Whatever necessitated such separation must be rectified as soon as possible so that we can live and grow together as a family. By so doing, we shall fulfil the purpose of God for our lives and for humanity.

"And Miriam and Aaron spake against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married: for he had married an Ethiopian woman" (Numbers 12:1).

The godly Scottish preacher, Andrew Bonar, penned in his diary: "This day 20 years ago, I preached for the first time as an ordained minister. It is amazing that the Lord has spared me and used me at all. I have no reason to wonder that He used others far more than He does me. Yet, envy is my hurt, and today I have been seeking grace to rejoice exceedingly over the usefulness of others, even where it cast me into the shade. Lord, take away this envy from me!"

From our text, Miriam became the chief sponsor of this ungodly act of envy which brought about murmuring that eventually landed her and Aaron in trouble. She became leprous and was quarantined out of Israel's camp for some time.

Moses was the youngest of a family of three children. Aaron was three years older than Moses while Miriam was their eldest sister. When infant Moses was placed in a basket at the bank of River Nile, Miriam watched over him to forestall any evil befalling the baby. But now, she failed to know that God had made this same Moses a leader and prophet in Israel, with the attendant honour and respect. She did not recognise that divine leadership is not based on age or familial relationship.

Though Miriam and Aaron survived the rebellion, it was not without divine punishment. We should be careful what we do, say or think about others; especially, those who may be younger to us, who have leadership positions placed on them over us. Most criticisms and complaints today are acts rooted in envy and jealousy. Envying others will only earn us the displeasure and judgment of God.

"But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him" (Hebrews 11:6).

What would make a 75 year-old man leave a settled life and folks to begin life all over in a strange land? What would move three Hebrew youths to defy a godless monarch who demanded that they abandon the worship of Jehovah God for idolatry? What would make two puny and unlearned fishermen confront a powerful Jewish Council that wanted them to stop the spread of the gospel? It is faith in a God who cannot fail; a God who promised to be with His people through floods of water and flames of fire (Isaiah 43:2). Our Lord promised His disciples saying, “I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world” (Matthew 28:20).

Repeatedly, we see a demonstration of the power of faith by those who truly believe in God. The apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ understood the indispensability of faith in their relationship with Him; so, they made a passionate plea for increment of their faith (Luke 17:5). Truly, "without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him" (Hebrews 11:6).

Faith is everything to the believer. Our journey to heaven begins with faith in Christ as Saviour and Lord; we are sustained through this journey by the power of faith. Also, whatever we want from our Father in heaven is received through it. Faith in a God who provides for the needy, heals the sick, takes care of widows and orphans, protects the weak from oppressors, makes the barren a mother, gives job to the jobless, will ensure that we lack nothing in life. In summary, those who know their God through faith will always be strong and do great exploits.

"For I am the LORD your God: ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be holy; for I am holy: neither shall ye defile yourselves with any manner of creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth" (Leviticus 11:44).

There are those who are unnerved about what they refer to as the legalistic nature of the Christian life. They feel they cannot bear with a system that seems to curtail their liberty and restrict their lifestyle. They want to be free to do whatever they like whenever they feel. What these people fail to know is that a life of unrestrained liberty is in itself the greatest form of bondage!

In today's text, God commanded the children of Israel to avoid eating certain creatures in order to keep themselves clean. Several other passages in the Scriptures highlight His distaste for uncleanness because He wants His people to be holy, set apart and unique just as He is holy. The Lord does not want true Christians to mix up with their pagan neighbours, get involved in their idol worship or compromise with them in sin.

God called Israel out of idolatrous Egypt and set them apart as a unique nation, dedicated to worshipping Him alone. The Law He gave them was to help them remain separated socially and spiritually. This is the same calling we have as Christians today. We are to remain spiritually isolated from the wickedness and corruptions of this world. Since He has redeemed us to Himself, He wants us to be wholly dedicated and holy to Him. This should not be difficult as some people think. God does not expect us to accomplish this by our own power; hence, He made provision for us through the death of His holy Son, Jesus.

As we accept the Lord Jesus Christ as our Saviour and willingly set ourselves apart from the pollutions of this world, we will receive grace and power to live a radiant, holy and victorious life.

"And the LORD heard the voice of Elijah; and the soul of the child came into him again, and he revived" (1 Kings 17:22).

The messenger of God is at once a seer, receiving God’s message for His people; a prophet, warning of danger and consequences of sin; and a servant carrying out actions and activities for the establishment of proper relationship between God and His people. Such a messenger carries the power and authority of the Lord. He does nothing to earn self- praise or glory in the exercise of this authority and power.

Our text deals with an ironic and perplexing situation. God in His majesty and power provided oil and flour for the widow who had demonstrated tremendous faith in Him by obeying his prophet. She went from nothing to something, believing by faith that God who was able to provide for her family in famine was also able to bring the dead back to life. Just then a calamity occurred, bringing death, grief and sorrow. But the God of miracles was available as always. The dead boy was restored back to life.

Miracles are a clear manifestation of God’s power, love and compassion. They are to point beneficiaries to Him, the unchanging God and to His Son, Jesus Christ. Today, believers perform miracles, healing for the sick and deliverance for the oppressed. Such miracle workers should claim no personal glory but point receivers to Christ.

Have you received healing or deliverance? You must stay on God’s word and walk in His steps. That way, greater, miracles and blessings will attend your way.

"Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone" (James 2:17).

An unsparing holiness preacher concerning whom little is known of his domestic life lived down town in a Council flat. He told his staff and congregation never to visit him at home without an appointment. An usher living close by frequently flouted this rule preferring to come to the pastor's house to submit reports without prior notice. The pastor, desiring to know the reason, asked the young man: "Did you realize you are disobedient by coming to my house without me inviting you?" The usher answered: "I am sorry, but I did it that I might, by some chance, come to discover how you react to the provocations of belligerent neighbours, the disturbing noises of infant wards and the mischief of domestic staff in your home. This I hoped, would help me beyond lessons from your sermons." Our profession may be great, but our conduct and attitude both in good and bad times are the real proofs of our hearts and the evidence of our faith.

In our text, the writer places high premium on faith evidenced by works. The faith that shows no corresponding positive traits is dead, and to say the least, worthless. True faith in the Lord Jesus Christ works out positive changes in the believer. If these desirable changes are not in our lives, it is doubtful whether we have been united with Christ.

Works of faith are the fruits of our Christian life made possible because of our living union with Christ. Those who are destitute of them have never known the Saviour including others who made only superficial commitment to follow Him.

We cannot produce these fruits by our own efforts outside of Christ. Even though we try to do what is good and right, staying close to Jesus and being obedient to His word is the only way to live a fruitful Christian life. We must determine to quit superficial Christianity and show evidence of our walk with God by bearing fruits of the Spirit.

"All these men of war, that could keep rank, came with a perfect heart to Hebron, to make David king over all Israel: and all the rest also of Israel were of one heart to make David king" (1 Chronicles 12:38).

The story is told of a man who, on his dying bed, desired to teach his three sons a lesson in unity and cooperation. He asked for a bunch of broom which he asked them to break one after the other. This, of course, they could not do; he then told them to untie the broom and attempt to break them stick after stick. This they did very effortlessly and the lesson was not lost upon his sons, who vowed to their father that they would always stick together.

David's route to the kingship of all Israel had been one fraught with many challenges. He ran from Saul's fury, hiding in caves, mountains and forests. But God's time for him to be crowned came at last. Being a man of war, he had a well organized army with an astonishing number of brave and fearless soldiers. Everything was provided for a successful coronation - food, meal, wine and music.

These men of war gathered at Hebron (verse 40) for the singular purpose of installing David king. They all came, including the "children of Issachar which were men that had understanding of the times" (verse 32). These men that could keep rank, came with "a perfect heart" (verse 38). God is honoured when we unite in love and perfect commitment for a good and noble cause.

David was anointed king at 16 but did not become the ruler of both Israel and Judah until about twenty years after. No matter how long it seems, God's pronouncement and promises must come to pass. God is worth waiting for and His promises are ever sure. Those who wait on Him without wavering shall never be disappointed. God will use every circumstance to fulfil His will for every life.

Arthur Tappan Pierson, an American Presbyterian pastor, who was a consulting editor for the original 'Scofield Reference Bible' in 1909, said: "God has no greater controversy with His people today than this, that with boundless promises to believing prayer, there are so few who actually give themselves unto intercession."

The psalmist presented a pathetic situation, which was like a sore or wound that bled throughout the night and would not stop. Based on the condition he found himself, he could not sleep nor could he think of those things that could comfort him. Rather, he put those things far away from him and engaged himself in sorrow. The remembrance of God could not comfort him. Instead, it troubled him the more. He tried to compare the days of old with the current. Yet, he could not fathom any improvement; things seemed to get worse. He made diligent search into the causes of his trouble, enquiring whether he had offended God and had gotten the consequences. With a troubled heart, he asked if God would cast him away forever and would no longer have mercy on him.

There are believers who might find themselves in such a trying condition. They may groan under sore troubles and be tempted to think that God has hidden His face from them or withdrawn His usual favour. They should not give way to such suggestions because the Lord will not cast off His people (Psalm 94:14). God will always have compassion (Lamentation 3:32) because His mercy endures for ever(Psalm 103:17).

"These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful" (Revelation 17:14).

The rash of scary problems all over the world indicates the imminence of the end of this world and revelation of Jesus as King of kings and Lord of lords.

The battle lines are drawn, and the greatest confrontation in the history of this world is about to begin. The Antichrist and false prophets have gathered armies to wage war against Christ and His saints. In their pride and self-will, they prepare to fight against their Creator. But they shall be destroyed beyond recovery.

Although the Bible presents the world as estranged from God and seized by Satan, Christians must wage continual warfare against him and his cohorts. One of Christ's purposes for coming to the world was to bind Satan and set at liberty those enslaved by him. Christians have dominion over evil powers because Christ has given us power and authority to cast out devils. He says, "In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover" (Mark 16:17,18). We can experience all-round victory through faith in Christ who died for us on the Cross.

As Christians, we should be confident that Christ won the final victory for us and He is in control of everything. He declared: "All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth". He has triumphed over sin, Satan, affliction, oppression, sickness and poverty. As you believe today, victory is sure and you shall continue to live a victorious Christian life by abiding continually in the Lord and His word.

"Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment" (ECCLESIASTES 11:9).

Sitting on the pavement of the pavement of the church's main building, Kenneth looked like a shadow of his old self. Here was a young man who, a few years back, was full of life, living and behaving as if there would never be tomorrow. He was given to wine, women and wastefulness. He scorned preachers, calling them unprintable names. He scoffed at every warning and advice. He strongly believed that his life belonged to him and none had the right to tell him just how to live. He turned out an unmitigated disaster.

Our text warns of the "days of darkness" in spite of the sweetness of light, with particular emphasis on youths. God has given us all things to enjoy while we live on this side of heaven. But our enjoyment and rejoicing must be moderated by the inescapable fact that God holds everyone accountable for what we do in the process.

Some people live their life today as if it absolutely belongs to them. Many do not remember God. They engage in cult practices, and murder innocent children for ritual purposes. With their ill-gotten wealth, they choose to live in fornication, adultery and polygamy. "But know thou, that for all these things, God will bring thee into judgment" (verse 9).

Today is the day to make an essential U-turn to escape the judgment of God with all its unpleasant and tragic consequences. It is dangerous to treat God's word and standard with levity. It is even more damning to assume that God will forever wink at iniquities. Some day, and very soon too, God will call every man to account for his life.

"Therefore thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will bring evil upon them, which they shall not be able to escape; and though they shall cry unto me, I will not hearken unto them" (Jeremiah 11:11).

Whoever wishes to enjoy the best God offers must be ready to trust and obey Him all the way. Our passage today reveals God's heartfelt disappointment over Israelites' broken covenant with Him. Towards this, He wanted Jeremiah to point out their acts of disobedience, which had strained His relationship with them, and that He would put a curse on anyone who did not keep to the covenant.

God had a covenant with their forefathers when He liberated them from the hardships imposed on them by the Egyptians. At that time, the Israelites had promised to listen, not only to God's instructions, but also to completely obey Him. Consequently, they became His special people while He became their God. Unfortunately, the Israelites reneged on keeping to the covenant. They neither listened to, nor obeyed God.

For the people of Judah and Jerusalem, God said He would bring suffering upon them and no one would escape, maintaining that when they begged for help, He would not listen to their prayers. He sternly warned Jeremiah not to plead for them because He would not listen, neither would He answer their prayer. Their sin was so great that God would not defer judgment even though Jeremiah or the people cried out to Him for mercy.

The same appalling situation is playing itself out in our society. People no longer obey God. Evils of kidnappings, ritual killings, corruption and murder, among others, have dominated the land. What is your current relationship with God? You must realise that God will not bestow His blessings upon anyone who persists in wilful disobedience to His commandments, except those who decisively repent of sin and fully turn to Christ. Even so, a practical life of holiness and righteousness, through God's grace, is the only way by which God's goodness and blessings are assured in time and eternity.

"Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way" (Matthew 13:24,25).

A Christian life demands constant vigilance, and believers must always crosscheck their lives to ensure nothing has crept in unaware. It is deceptive to assume that one is insulated from the defilement of the world, when one lives and works in the midst of unbelievers without discretion.

In today's text, Jesus employed many parables during His teaching. He never explained the meaning to the multitudes who listened to Him, but only to His disciples. One of such parables was on tares sown by an enemy among good seeds. He said the owner of the vineyard had done his bit by sowing good seed and had left thereafter. But while he was asleep, the enemy invaded the farm with a strange weed.

The seed was discovered by vigilant servants, who noticed the strange outgrowth among the wheat. The response of the vineyard owner, that the tares should be left alone until harvest time when they would be destroyed, instruct believers about negative influences and how they should be handled with wisdom.

Believers are in a corrupt world; they hear and see terrible things that are capable of choking up their Christian conviction. If believers wilfully refuse to make a difference between righteousness and unrighteousness, virtues and vices, good and bad, right and wrong, and begin to pattern their lives in line with the negative influence of these times, then they are not wise.

Like the servants of the vineyard owner in the text, who were able to detect the tares because they were vigilant, believers must be vigilant so that they will not be swept off their feet unknowingly. A focused and visionary believer must detect and shun evil no matter how strong the influence may be.

"And I heard the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, ...sware by him that liveth for ever that it shall be for a time, times, and an half; and when he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people, all these things shall be finished" (DANIEL 12:7).

Both Testaments of the Bible foretold what the end of the present system would be. Daniel is one of the prominent Scriptures in this regard. The last chapter from which today's text is taken, summarizes and concludes the great revelations contained in the book. The earlier verses foretold the eventual deliverance of the Jews from Antiochus that would greatly persecute them. Beyond that, it points to the fate of believers (dead and alive) towards the coming of the Antichrist. They will be raptured to meet the Lord in the air and would be rewarded for their works. Daniel was to seal the Book because its ultimate fulfilment was then a distant time.

Christ's coming at the rapture would principally be to deliver believers from the tyranny and troubles that would be unleashed on the world during the Antichrist's reign. It will particularly be a very trying time for Israel. The concern in today's text was how long the trouble would be. The Bible reveals that the Antichrist will reign for seven years; first three and half, he will deceive the world, gain global acceptance and eventually enter into agreement with Israel. But Israel's real trouble will begin with the last three and a half years when the Antichrist will renege, desecrate their worship and persecute them. Those "time, times, and an half" (three and half years) will be the most troublous years ever in this world. The merciless atrocities of the Antichrist would be mingled with divine judgment and unleashed on those who remain in the world.

As the cloud gathers and the end-time signs become more glaring, God's call becomes more urgent, "Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast" (Isaiah 26:20). Will you tarry in the world or are you ready for the rapture?

"And David went up, and all Israel, to Baalah, that is, to Kirjathjearim, which belonged to Judah, to bring up thence the ark of God the LORD, that dwelleth between the cherubims, whose name is called on it" (1 Chronicles 13:6).

"One of the tests of leadership is the ability to recognize a problem before it becomes an emergency" - Arnold H. Glasow. In emergency situations, even the best of leaders resort to panic actions.

The ark, a symbol of God's presence, power and protection had been captured and kept by the Philistines for seven months. It was later returned to Israel and kept at Kirjath-jearim, about ten miles from Jerusalem. But king Saul, throughout his reign, treated the ark with disdain as it lay in obscurity. At Hebron, David had been made king over all Israel (1 Chronicles 12:38-40), and one of his foremost duties was to mobilize the people to bring back the ark to Jerusalem without any delay. And this they did with great pomp, joy and dancing.

No matter how important and noble our work for the Lord might seem, it is a grievous sin to take Him for granted. Uzza learnt the hard way. While the ark was being brought back to Jerusalem, he put forth his hand to hold and prevent it from falling - a forbidden act. He was immediately visited with the wrath of God; he died. Surrounding the entire episode of Uzza's ignoble act was the prize of doing a noble deed in an ignoble manner. The prescription of the law was that the ark should be carried by the sons of Kohath and specifically prohibited the use of a cart; neither should it be touched by a human hand.

As we engage in the work of the Lord, we must ensure we do so, not perfunctorily, but with due diligence, reverence and promptness. This is because God’s work is a serious business and we must see it as David regarded it. A carefree and presumptuous attitude to the work of the ministry should be abhorred and avoided.

"And they come again to Jerusalem: and as he was walking in the temple, there come to him the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders, And say unto him, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority to do these things"? (MARK 11:27,28).

There are not many maladies that can so badly impair one's sense of judgment as prejudice (irrational dislike of somebody). Someone once defined prejudice as, "A vagrant opinion without visible means of support". It blindfolds, injures and even kills. Its worst victim is often the person who exercises it.

During Christ’s earthly ministry, the priests, scribes and elders had an obsessive, unfounded hatred for Him. They showed it openly and subtly. Today’s text presents one of such occasions of their antagonism. They had watched Him teach in the temple with a mixture of envy and malice, so they queried Him. The intent of their questions was to ensnare or, at best, ridicule Christ by making Him seem like a usurper or blasphemer.

But wisdom prevailed. Christ responded with another question that exposed their hypocrisy. They knew the truth – that both John the Baptist and Jesus Christ derived their authority from God. Even someone of their rank, Nicodemus, had earlier acknowledged Christ as "a teacher come from God". But here, they would neither openly admit it, lest they should acknowledge Jesus as the Messiah; nor could they discredit John's ministry as a human design lest they be mobbed by commoners. In their face-saving attempt, they refused to answer Christ’s question. His question therefore, took care of theirs.

The gospel has never been so vehemently attacked by people more than men of influence, especially religious people whose interest are threatened by the gospel light. But how vain it is to antagonize the truth! Often times, the same rod of attack eventually proves to be the instrument of its promotion while its peddlers get confounded. As you step out this day, pray not to be blinded or shackled by prejudice against the truth. Rather, let the boldness and wisdom of righteousness be your strength.

"But if the ox were wont to push with his horn in time past, and it hath been testified to his owner, and he hath not kept him in, but that he hath killed a man or a woman; the ox shall be stoned, and his owner also shall be put to death" (Exodus 21:29).

The principle of responsibility for wrongs done to others, as explained in the Bible, plainly states that one is liable for the actions of his agents as long as he owes that agent a duty of care and control. In the case of animals, it makes little difference that the owner is not aware of its destructive tendencies.

The Lord had given Moses the laws guiding man's relationship with God and fellow man in the preceding chapter, known as "The Ten Commandments". Underlying the commandments governing man's relationship with one another is the principle of equity: "do unto others as you would have them do unto you". And to underscore God's view of the sanctity of life, an animal which killed a human being was to be killed; the owner himself was to suffer similar fate if he was aware of the animal's destructive traits.

Today, God still highly upholds the sanctity of life. Sins of omission are as serious in the eyes of the Lord as sins of commission. Carelessness or negligence must be avoided by true followers of Christ. The major difference between man and animal is in man's possession of a reasoning faculty. If we have faculties to guide us in our daily life and fail to use them, then we are culpable before the Lord.

The Scripture enjoins us to walk carefully through life to be able to reap the blessings God has graciously provided for His children. We should watch over our domestic animals to keep them from harming people or destroying their properties.

"For he established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children" (Psalm 78:5).

Our topic today is very instructive, especially in the light of negligence of child training by some Christian parents. The psalmist explicitly noted that God gave His law to Jacob's descendants, and mandated them to teach their children so that each new generation would know His law and be able to pass it on to others.

The psalmist gave three major reasons for this. The first was that it would help them to know God, His law and works. Secondly, it would enable them to trust in Him, while the third was that it would make them to be obedient to God. These would make the new generation of Israel to appreciate God unlike their ancestors, who became stubborn, rebellious and unfaithful to Him.

The psalmist equally noted an instance where the Ephraimites exhibited cowardice. They were armed, but when the battle began, they ran away because they were afraid. This act of cowardice could be attributed to lack of faith in God. So, informing their children of God's glorious deeds and mighty miracles would enable them to live right and build their faith in Him.

Sadly, many Christian parents have lost control of their children because of negligence in training them. They allow their children to live unworthy lifestyle to the extent that one could hardly place a difference between children born to Christian parents and unbelievers on the street. Many parents are wallowing in agony and regrets over lack of parental dictates evident in their children's lives. If the cycle of child delinquency is to be broken, we need to apply scriptural principles in bringing up our children in the ways of the Lord. This is the sacred duty of parents which cannot be transferred to anyone else.

"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field" (Matthew 13:44).

The Bible is the ultimate and final authority in all matters. Those who look elsewhere for so-called truth, merely deceive themselves and toy with their temporal and eternal destiny.

In our text, the Bible instructs that the kingdom of heaven is a great treasure and that whosoever finds it must guard it jealously. The parable talks about a man who found a treasure in a field and because of the worth of the treasure, sold off everything he had to buy the field.

The knowledge of the kingdom of God is the greatest treasure anyone can find. Stories abound of believers who had sacrificed their lives for the kingdom of God. They received the word and embraced the promise of eternal life. Many of them, for the sake of heaven, were burnt with fire, thrown to lions or sawn asunder with the sword. They chose to die rather than give up the treasure they had found.

Our text explains that the treasure found in the kingdom of God is beyond any other treasure in life. Jesus spoke of goodly pearls, in which a merchant sold all his possession to buy because of its worth. The salvation of our souls is a great treasure that believers must guard jealously. The joy that floods a believer’s heart at salvation is of great value and must continue. It is worth more than any acquisition on earth. Do not turn around to the things you've left behind. Do not lose the costly treasure or exchange it for any other thing, for it is, indeed, a costly pearl.

"With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of the LORD shall he behold: wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses"? (Numbers 12:8.)

Envy and jealousy often arise when people are displeased that others are ahead of them in life. Although they do not openly admit it, they feel humiliated by the success of others, and wished the good things were happening to them. They may go any length to express disdain for those doing better than them in life. Sometimes, those that envy are close to the successful.

For Moses, it must have been a shock that his brother and sister, Aaron and Miriam, were unhappy with his popularity and success in leading the Israelites. Since they could find nothing to complain personally about Moses, whom God called the meekest of men, they found fault with his wife. If Moses knew of their unkind conduct, he did not show it. Instead, it was God that stepped in to deal with the two offenders. He struck Miriam with leprosy; and Aaron, fearing he was next to face judgment, cried out to Moses, calling him "my lord", in recognition of his authority and standing. He couldn't pray to God; he knew God would not hear sinners. So, he pleaded with Moses, who then prayed to God to heal Miriam. God did but insisted that she must be separated from the camp for a while. Unfortunately for the Israelites too, the sin of Miriam delayed their journey for one week.

Sin of any kind is deadly; it separates one from the Lord; it hinders progress and attracts God's judgment. Rather than wait to regret your actions, you should quickly correct your wrong thoughts and motives which lead to sin. If you are still committing sin, do not delay, quickly plead with the Lord for cleansing, forgiveness and pardon. Thereafter, watch over your life that iniquity does not creep in and become your ruin.

"In that day shall Israel be the third with Egypt and with Assyria, even a blessing in the midst of the land: Whom the LORD of hosts shall bless, saying, Blessed be Egypt my people, and Assyria the work of my hands, and Israel mine inheritance" (ISAIAH 19:25)

There are certain truths that need no emphasis. It is a basic truth that God is the Almighty; that He is the Creator of the heaven and the earth and all the people therein - be they white or black. All the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing, and He does according to His will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can say to Him 'what doest thou'?

Our text deals with the supremacy of God over all nations and all people. Egypt was noted for her wisdom - a wisdom it attributed to the power of her gods. The nation thus became very idolatrous and questioned the authority and power of the almighty God.

After a time of affliction and chastening, the two chief oppressors of Israel, Egypt and Assyria, according to prophecy, would unite in love, and worship the true God. 'At the mention of the name of Jesus, every knee shall bow.' The knees of people of all the nations of the world would bow on that day. The LORD of host shall say in that day, 'Blessed be Egypt my people, and Assyria the work of my hands, and Israel mine inheritance' (verse 25). Known to God are His works from the foundation of the earth.

The Almighty rules in the affairs of men. By this prophecy, all nations of the world would be blessed. In that day, political enemies, nations and peoples that had been miles apart would bow at the feet of Jesus. But let us not wait till that time. Now is the time for us all to know Him and the power of His resurrection. For it is through a reverential knowledge of God that we can discover and enjoy the best He has prepared for us through the all-sufficient merit of His dear Son.

"Then Jesus went with them. And when he was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying unto him, Lord, trouble not thyself: for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof" (Luke 7:6)

Humility, as opposed to pride and arrogance, has the potential of opening closed doors. The humble in heart always esteems others better than himself. Some nations have had to fight needless and protracted wars because their leaders held on to vain pride, while their people perished in unnecessary and avoidable conflicts.

In this regard, there is a lesson to learn from our text. It deals with a centurion who had a sick servant. He was a top Roman army officer. Ordinarily, he would not have bothered about his servant’s sickness. But he took the matter to Jesus, based on his belief that He came from God. He had recognized the Jews as carriers of God’s redemption message and built a synagogue for them. His faith and humility was particularly amazing as a Gentile, having not been brought up to know the living and true God. He had made it clear. In humility, he disclosed: 'I am not worthy…'.

The centurion knew that Jesus, by far a greater commander than himself, did not need to come to his house for his servant to be healed, just the same way he 'a mere military commander' did not need to be present for his orders to be carried out. Thus he said to Jesus, 'Speak the word only'. Jesus, recognizing that such faith was rare in Israel, immediately spoke the word and his servant was healed. Many people have lost the opportunity of receiving their healing and deliverance at various church programmes because of lack of simple faith and a humble disposition. If such people could exercise the type of the centurion's faith, even as little as 'a grain of mustard seed', they would have received their much needed miracles.

"For the LORD of hosts, that planted thee, hath pronounced evil against thee, for the evil of the house of Israel and of the house of Judah, which they have done against themselves to provoke me to anger in offering incense unto Baal" (Jeremiah 11:17)

Elisabeth Elliot, a Christian author, told a story of her brother, Thomas Howard, when they were young. Their mother let him play with paper bags if only he would put them away afterwards. One day, their mother walked into the kitchen and found paper bags strewn all over the floor, but Thomas was with their father at the piano, singing hymns. When she confronted him, he protested, "But Mom, I want to sing". But their father rebuked, "It’s no good singing God’s praise if you're disobedient".

The people of Judah had yokes of sin hanging on their necks. Instead of repenting of those sins, they went to offer sacrifice to God, as if they could appease Him and get their misconduct quashed. Though they were God’s chosen people, He told them that they were not qualified to offer sacrifice because they have not repented of their iniquities. Their sacrifices would not make things right before Him, so they must face His wrath. Although God planted them as a tree, He would destroy them for worshipping Baal.

Instead of making efforts to reconcile with God, the people of Judah plotted to eliminate Prophet Jeremiah who brought the message to them. Even after he was warned, the prophet did not cease to preach because he was committed to God and trusted that He would protect him. He was not only assured of protection, God also threatened to visit them with His anger. Their young men, God said, would die violently while others would die by famine.

No one can battle with the Lord. He has the power to cast the wicked men into hell. Therefore, there is no fortress that can serve as a defence against His power. The enemies can associate themselves yet God will easily break them into pieces. For Him to be your Shield and Buckler, you need to live a life of total purity of heart. It is only then that your sacrifice can be acceptable before Him.

"Send thou men, that they may search the land of Canaan, which I give unto the children of Israel: of every tribe of their fathers shall ye send a man, every one a ruler among them" (Numbers 13:2)

Real leaders are, for the most part, known by the way they handle crises. It is easy to be called or known by the title, "leader", -but what truly marks one out as a leader is how one is able to successfully handle a difficult situation. There are tasks that are meant for leaders. When a supposed leader fails in such task, then he disqualifies himself from being one.

God, in our text, had instructed Moses to send men to spy out the land of promise. He specifically told Moses the kind of people he was to select. They were to be rulers among the people. In effect, they were to be leaders. This is for obvious reasons. Being leaders, they were supposed to possess a measure of maturity which the generality of the people may not have. Their position was also expected to add credibility to their report. It was also expected that they possessed the spiritual maturity and an "eye" of faith to see, understand and interpret God's dealing with them.

The outcome of the expedition showed that all these men, but two, failed in their calling. Instead of being strong and courageous leaders, they turned out to be weaklings and cowards! If they had kept their fear and unbelief to themselves, it would not have been an issue. But they affected the congregation with their evil report. As a result, they caused the children of Israel forty years of wandering in the wilderness leading to the death of all adults that left Egypt except for Joshua and Caleb.

The Church is in dire need of leaders who have faith today. They may not be men of letters but let them be men of the Word! Men who have unshakable faith in the unfailing promises and power of God and are able to lead His people to rout whatever giants may be before them and possess the promised lands. Lord, give us such men today!